Rotting Christ

Live at The Palladium

Hollywood, CA

May 21st, 2026

Review and photos by Travis Baumann

Greek dark‑metal gods Rotting Christ returned to our soil, and nearly four decades into their Evil Existence they remain one of the most singular forces in extreme music.

For thirty‑nine years, the Tolis brothers—Sakis Tolis on vocals and guitar and Themis Tolis on drums—have shaped a sound that refuses to be confined to any genre box.

Completing the lineup are Kostas Heliotis on bass and backing vocals and Kostis Foukarakis on lead guitar and backing vocals, both of whom add weight and texture to the band’s evolving sonic identity.

Often cited as pillars of the global black metal scene, Rotting Christ stand apart from their peers in almost every way. Their vocal approach, rhythmic sensibilities, and use of keyboards and ritualistic, symphonic elements carve out a space that is entirely their own.

One of the band’s most powerful signatures—the deep, resonant group chants—elevates their music into something semi‑religious (or anti‑religious), perfectly aligned with the provocation of their name and the themes they’ve explored since the beginning.

The set leaned heavily on material from 2010 onward, which worked beautifully given how strong their recent output has been. With only eight songs on a four‑band bill, the set felt far too short, but the selections were excellent. There’s always that one track you hope for that doesn’t make the cut, yet everything they did play landed with force. I love Rotting Christ, and this entire night was awesome.

Rotting Christ Setlist:

Dies Irae

Demonon Vrosis

Kata Ton Daimona Eaytoy

Like Father, Like Son

Elthe Kyrie

dub-sag-ta-ke

Societas Satanas

(Thou Art Lord cover)

Grandis Spiritus Diavolos

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